Kayla Thornton from the Wildcats sprints toward the basket while evading a Yellowjackets defender during the GNAC tournament semifinals. CWU and MSUB are set to face again in the NCAA Division II West Region Tournament.
March 9, 2026
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Wildcats earn top seed in NCAA West to host regionals
BELLINGHAM — The Central Washington University Wildcats (23-6) concluded their run in the GNAC Tournament Friday during the semifinal round when they fell 74-79 to the Montana State Billings Yellowjackets (19-14). Despite the loss, CWU earned the top seed in the 2026 NCAA Division II West Region Tournament. “Our team showed a lot of fight and played hard,” said CWU Head Coach Randi Richardson. “I’m so proud of our fight and effort, but we didn’t have enough execution in finishing possessions with rebounds, making paint shots and limiting our fouls. Credit to MSUB, they played a great game and never let us pull ahead.”